Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 21/01/20...

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Charlton Athletic v Fulham
WED 22 Jan 2020  Championship
Venue: The Valley

Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney is the Whites' joint second-highest goalscorer this season, with six goals

Charlton Athletic trio Chuks Aneke (groin), Josh Cullen (ankle) and Chris Solly (illness) are back in training.

Lyle Taylor (thigh) is also closing in on a return but fellow striker Macauley Bonne (hamstring) is sidelined.

Fulham will assess winger Anthony Knockaert, who went off with a hamstring injury during Friday's 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.

Top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic (ankle) is out, but Terence Kongolo could make his debut after joining on loan.

Defender Steven Sessegnon (thigh), midfielder Harrison Reed (calf) and forward Aboubakar Kamara (ankle) are doubts for the Whites, who are four points off the automatic promotion places after winning three of their past four league games.

Charlton, meanwhile, have won just one of their past 16 matches in the Championship, dropping from seventh to 19th in the table in the process.

Match facts

    Charlton are winless in 10 league games (D6 L4) against Fulham since beating them at The Valley in a Premier League tie in December 2004.
    Fulham have lost each of their last six away London derby matches, last winning such a game in April 2018 against Millwall in the Championship.
    Charlton have managed just one victory in their last seven league games at the Valley (D3 L3), failing to keep a single clean sheet. The Addicks last conceded in eight successive home league games back in April 2017.
    After losing each of their 10 Premier League London derbies last season, Fulham have only lost one of their four such matches this season (W2 D1), though that defeat did come at Brentford last month.
    Despite Tomer Hemed failing to score in his seven league appearances for Charlton this season, he has netted five times against Fulham in just three previous appearances - more English league goals than versus any other side.
    Since his league debut for Fulham in February 2018, Aleksandar Mitrovic has only missed three such games for Fulham; the Lilywhites have won two of those matches, however (L1), including beating Middlesbrough last time out.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51115555

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 Charlton vs Fulham preview: Championship clash live on Sky Sports Football Red Button
Watch live on Sky Sports Football Red Button and the Sky Sports mobile app from 7.40pm; kick-off is at 7.45pm

Charlton face Fulham in the Sky Bet Championship on Wednesday night, live on Sky Sports Football Red Button and mobile app.

Team news

Lyle Taylor could return for Charlton

Charlton quartet Lyle Taylor, Chris Solly, Josh Cullen and Sam Field could all return to contention. Striker Taylor, who returned to action in December following a long-term knee injury, has missed the last three matches and Solly was absent for Saturday's defeat at Preston due to illness.

Cullen (ankle) also missed out at the weekend and Field (knee), on loan from West Brom, has been sidelined since October. Jake Forster-Caskey jarred his knee in training last week and remains unavailable.

Fulham strikers Aleksandar Mitrovic and Aboubakar Kamara will not be ready in time to feature. Mitrovic damaged ankle ligaments in the recent win at Hull and is expected to be out until next month, while Kamara has played no part since the home defeat to Reading on New Year's Day.

Defender Steven Sessegnon (groin) and midfielder Harrison Reed (calf) will also be assessed, but remain doubtful. Fulham can close the gap on second-placed Leeds to a single point with victory.

Recent form
Charlton have gone four games without a win, and picked up just a point in that time. They led on Saturday against Preston before eventually falling to a 2-1 defeat.

Fulham have won back-to-back games and are starting to close on the stuttering top two of West Brom and Leeds. They are just four points off the latter and five behind the Baggies ahead of their trip to The Valley.

Opta stats
Charlton are winless in 10 league games (D6 L4) against Fulham since beating them at The Valley in a Premier League tie in December 2004.

Fulham have lost each of their last six away London derby matches, last winning such a game in April 2018 against Millwall in the Championship.

Charlton have managed just one victory in their last seven league games at the Valley (D3 L3), failing to keep a single clean sheet. The Addicks last conceded in eight successive home league games back in April 2017.

After losing each of their 10 Premier League London derbies last season, Fulham have only lost one of their four such matches this season (W2 D1), though that defeat did come at Brentford last month.

Despite Tomer Hemed failing to score in his seven league appearances for Charlton this season, he has netted five times against Fulham in just three previous appearances - more English league goals than versus any other side.

Since his league debut for Fulham in February 2018, Aleksandar Mitrovic has only missed three such games for Fulham; the Lilywhites have won two of those matches however (L1), including beating Middlesbrough last time out.

Prutton's prediction
Charlton still have some business to do between now and Deadline Day. They still look short a few players and that showed in their defeat against Preston on Saturday.

Fulham are right back in the thick of things and West Brom and Leeds dropping points will give them real hope of pushing for automatic promotion. This could be the game where they struggle a little without Aleksandar Mitrovic, though. Score draw.

David Prutton predicts: 1-1 (11/2 with Sky Bet)



https://www.skysports.com/football/charlton-vs-fulham/preview/409688

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Millwall Away Tickets

Tickets for Fulham's South London clash with Millwall go on sale from Thursday morning.

Fulham take on The Lions at The Den on Wednesday 12th February, kick-off 7:45pm.

Tickets for this match go on sale to Season Ticket Holders and Members at 10am on Thursday 23rd January with any remaining tickets going on General Sale at 10am on Monday 27th January.

Supporters are able to purchase a maximum of two tickets per person for this fixture, with more information available on our match centre page.

Fans can secure their seat online, by phone on 0203871 0810 (opt.1) or in person from the Fulham Ticket Office.

For the latest ticketing information straight to your desktop or mobile calendar, download our fixture calendar here.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/january/21/millwall-away-tickets

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Wales international and ex-Fulham man misses penalty on comeback game for Forest Green Rovers

He returned from a long injury lay-off against Bristol Rovers

George Williams missed a first-half penalty in a goalless draw with Bristol Rovers in the Central League, as he completed 45 minutes on his comeback from injury.

Williams has been out of action after a horrific leg break on the opening day of the season against Oldham Athletic.

However, the 24-year-old is nearing his comeback and had an eventful 45 minutes against Bristol Rovers in the Central League.

Williams won a penalty in the opening 10 minutes of the game in Chippenham, after being clipped by the goalkeeper, but saw the resulting spot-kick saved down low by Alexis Andre-Jr.

Rovers had other first-team players featuring in the development match, including Lewis Thomas, Matt Mills, Nathan McGinley, Kevin Dawson, Taylor Allen, Elliott Frear and Matty Stevens.

Allen had an early chance to give Rovers the lead, before the penalty miss, but his header was easily saved by Andre-Jr.

Stevens, who has lost his place in recent weeks to new signing Josh March, looked bright early on, having a couple of efforts at goal.

Bristol Rovers were then awarded a penalty half an hour in after McGinley fouled inside the box.

Thomas kept his nerve, though, and stayed down the middle to collect a dinked effort from Theo Widdrington for the second penalty save of the afternoon.

Williams was replaced for the second-half, with Dan Jones coming onto replace the attacker.

Tom Mahew did well for the visiting side as he blocked Jones' strike and then got himself up quickly to deny Vaughn Covil.

Jones had a chance to put Rovers ahead on 70 minutes following a scramble, that eventually fell to the youngster, but he put his effort over the crossbar.

Jack Carter, who replaced Frear not long before, came close with a great effort that was well-saved by Andre-Jr.

Both sides had plenty of chances but neither could break the deadlock in a game purely focused on match fitness.



https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/wales-international-ex-fulham-man-3763882

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The Sean Davis Column

We've been enjoying some fine form of late. We had a great win in the cup over Aston Villa which will no doubt have been a massive confidence booster for the whole squad. Another big bonus from that match was seeing Harry Arter back on the pitch again, and for him to score such a great goal was a lovely moment for him. He's going to be an important player for us in this second half of the season. We then followed that up with two good wins, managing to keep clean sheets in each of them. The Hull one was especially pleasing as we hadn't won there in such a long time.

These three wins have coincided with Michael Hector's first matches as a Fulham player, and he's been absolutely terrific. He 100 per cent would have benefitted from having trained with the lads for these last few months. He'll have got to know everyone, he'll be comfortable around the place by now, and you can see he's got a good connection with Tim Ream on the field. It's his shirt to lose now so we've got some good healthy competition for places in defence, especially with the arrival of Terence Kongolo as well.

Victory at Charlton on Wednesday would put us just one point off second place, and that's always a motivation. You do keep one eye on what everyone else is doing, but it's such a competitive division that teams are going to have blips now and again. Leeds and West Brom were quite far ahead of the chasing pack a while ago, so their recent form is a bit of a surprise, but it's a long season. You cannot afford to take your eye off the ball. It's a cliché but you've got to take it game by game. If you start thinking matches are a foregone conclusion, that's when you're in trouble.



I scored a couple of goals against Charlton in my Fulham days. One came after I'd be in a little bit of trouble and had actually been dropped for the previous game. I was back on the bench for Charlton, came on and scored a worldie (probably goal of the season!), which was nice. London derbies are great to play in, those are the ones you miss, so it will be a good contest over at the Valley. Last time I went there was as a fan when we drew 2-2, although I can't remember most of the day because I'd been on the boat with all the Fulham fans and they kept buying me drinks! It was great to be in the stands with them singing the songs and supporting the team, and I hope everyone making the short journey on Wednesday has a brilliant time and comes home with three points.

We're off to Manchester City at the weekend which is a good opportunity to see how we match up to the big guns. I do feel that we raise our game when we're playing against better opposition – we showed that when we played so well against Leeds last month. It will be a good game, I'm sure all the players are looking forward to it. It looks like the title has escaped Man City now, so they'll be going hard in the cup competitions. I want them to put their strongest team out, but whoever starts for them, there's going to be so much quality from front to back. The boys will just have to go there, work their socks off and represent the Club the best they can.

We had Bobby Decordova-Reid on the Monday Night Fulham Fix this week, someone I knew as a kid coming through at Bristol City when I had a loan spell there towards the end of my career. I had a few training sessions and you could tell, even at a young age, that he was technically very good. He's filled out a bit now, he's a lot stronger and quicker, but he always had that technical ability. I felt like an old man in those sessions with this young lad taking the mick out of me! You could always tell that he would go on to be a success. He's such a hard worker that he deserves everything he's got. We hadn't seen each other in years so it was good to catch up. He's a very humble lad who speaks well, and he's been a great addition to the Fulham squad.

I was fortunate enough to receive the Forever Fulham award at the Stoke game last month, which was great. I still go back to the Cottage regularly to watch as a fan, but to go out on the pitch and get such a fantastic reception from the fans was very humbling and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Big thanks to David Daly for putting me up for it. It was a great day all round, topped off by three points.

http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/january/21/the-sean-davis-column

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Early Fulham injury news emerges ahead of Charlton clash

Fulham manager Scott Parker has delivered an update on the fitness of attacking duo Aleksandar Mitrovic and Aboubakar Kamara ahead of their midweek clash with Charlton Athletic.

Mitrovic was stretchered off the pitch with an ankle injury during their 2-1 win against Hull City two seasons ago whilst Kamara continues with a knock of his own.

And their was little positive news for Parker to impart.

"Neither of them will be ready for the game against Charlton," he told his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, reported by the club's official website.

"Mitrović is progressing well but still not ready for this game, and the same with Kamara.

"Other than that, we're a little bit light, we've got some injury problems; Harrison Reed, Max Le Marchand, there's a few out."

On Friday night, Fulham saw off Middlesbrough 1-0 at Craven Cottage to move to within four points of the automatic promotion places.

And with Leeds losing 1-0 to QPR on Saturday and West Brom going down by the same scoreline to Stoke City on Monday, Fulham are suddenly right back in the mix.

They have the chance to move to within a point of those highly-sought after positions on Wednesday night too when they travel to The Valley to face Lee Bowyers side.

The verdict

Last Friday's 1-0 win against Middlsebrough will have given the team plenty of confidence that they can continue to perform without Aleksandar Mitrovic in the team.

They have also beaten QPR without the Serbian as well so they know they have what it takes.

But there is no doubt they are a far stronger side with him in it and the longer he is out the more confidence opposition teams will have when facing them.

With a new found solidity at the back, however, Fulham will be confident of dispatching anyone they come up against.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/early-fulham-injury-news-emerges-ahead-of-charlton-clash/

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Huddersfield, Fulham and Middlesbrough have loan offers for Burnley's Ben Gibson rejected

According to Sky Sports News reporter Keith Downie (tweet – below), Burnley have rejected loan proposals from Championship trio Huddersfield Town, Fulham and Middlesbrough.

Burnley will allow Gibson to leave the club this month as he is seen as surplus to requirements at Turf Moor, but the club is insistent on securing a replacement for the defender before he departs.

Ideally, Sean Dyche's side would prefer a permanent deal, in a bid to recuperate the £15 million paid to Middlesbrough in 2017, but a loan deal back down to the Championship looks more likely with just over a week to go in the transfer window.

The 27-year old is looking to secure a move elsewhere to get more playing time. He has only featured once this season for the Clarets, in the Carabao Cup defeat to Sunderland. Prior to this, he has only played one game in the Premier League in his Burnley career.

Boro's recent defensive injury crisis has meant they have prioritised a defender in this month's window, and with Gibson's uncle being the Middlesbrough Chairman, it would be the most likely destination for the Teesside-born centre-back.

Tommy Elphick has been sidelined with an injury at Huddersfield since November and they too are in the market for a new central defender.

Fulham have already signed Michael Hector on loan from Chelsea, and Scott Parker also has Tim Ream and Alfie Mawson at his disposal. However, they are hoping for new recruits this January in a bid of achieving a place in the automatic promotion spots.



https://the72.co.uk/155240/huddersfield-fulham-and-middlesbrough-have-loan-offers-for-burnleys-ben-gibson-rejected/

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2 Fulham outcasts who Scott Parker should look to move on this month

Fulham have had an impressive transfer window so far.

The arrivals of Michael Hector, who finalised his deal from Chelsea, the permanent signing of Ivan Cavaleiro, the free signing of Jordan Archer and the loan-acquisition of Terrence Kongolo has given Fulham fans added optimism going into the second-half of the season.

But there's been no outgoings at Fulham so far this month – the club who spent over £100 million on players in the summer of 2018 and didn't sell any of them in the summer just gone, there must be a point when Fulham's finances become a cause for concern.

Here we look at two Fulham outcasts who Scott Parker should look to move on this month:

Marcus Bettinelli

With the arrival of Archer on a free from Oxford United last week, Bettinelli's departure is all but imminent. The 27-year-old has been a good servant to Fulham but has spent much of this season on the bench with the younger Marek Rodak coming into the first-team.

The Slovakian has been impressive in his first season in goal at the Cottage, and it's made Bettinelli an outcast at the club – no team has yet to make an enquiry about the stopper, and Fulham nor Parker are yet to give an update on his future.

Bettinelli is now in his 6th season at Fulham. He was a key component of their promotion-winning campaign under Slavisa Jokanovic in 2018 but made just a handful of appearances in the top-flight – he's become surplus to requirements at the club, and expect to see him depart before the end of the month.

Neeskens Kebano

The Congolese winger is a likeable player. He joined Fulham from Genk in 2016 and had an impressive first season in England, playing 30 times for Fulham in the Championship and netting six times.

He had a similar impact in his second season as Fulham won promotion but like so many others in the squad, he missed out on much of their top-flight campaign with all the summer signings made by the club – Kebano played just seven games in the Premier League last season.

This season has been a similar story – the arrivals of Anthony Knockaert, Bobby Reid and Ivan Cavaleiro in the summer set Kebano up for a difficult season trying to break back into the first-team, whilst the likes of Aboubakar Kamara have surpassed him in the pecking order as well.

He's a useful player to have around the club, but with Cavaleiro signing permanently and more signings expected before the end of the month, Kebano could well be in his way out of the Cottage.




https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-fulham-outcasts-who-scott-parker-should-look-to-move-on-this-month/

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Parker delivers promotion race verdict as Fulham close in on Leeds and West Brom

Fulham manager Scott Parker has given his latest analysis of the Championship promotion race after the gap between his side and the top two narrowed again over the weekend.

West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United looked set to secure the automatic promotion places comfortably, pulling 12 points clear earlier in the campaign, but following recent events the gap has shrunk to just four points.

But whilst Parker is pleased with how things have gone so far, he knows that they cannot get carried away.

"We're in a good position at this moment in time," he told his pre-match press conference on Tuesday night, reported by the club's official website.

"We're looking at the right end of the table, but ultimately we can only control what we control.

"If Leeds or West Brom are slipping up or are out of form then you need to react to that and you need to get results. I realise the dynamics of this division, and as soon as you take your eye off it then this league has got a habit of biting you."

On Friday night, Fulham saw off Middlesbrough 1-0 at Craven Cottage to move to within four points of the pace-setters.

And with Leeds losing 1-0 to QPR on Saturday and the Baggies going down by the same scoreline to Stoke City on Monday, Fulham are suddenly right back in the mix.

They have the chance to move to within a point of those highly-sought after positions on Wednesday night too when they travel to The Valley to face Charlton Athletic.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/parker-delivers-promotion-race-verdict-as-fulham-close-in-on-leeds-and-west-brom/

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Fulham team news: Four men out of Charlton clash, including key figure

Fulham are due to play against Charlton Athletic in a Championship encounter at The Valley on Wednesday.

Scott Parker's Cottagers side will be aiming for an away win in order to maintain a push for an automatic promotion place this season.

Fulham enter the game in third position on the standings and are four points adrift of second-place Leeds United.

The Craven Cottage outfit are currently on a run of two consecutive league wins and have a perfect opportunity to make that three against the 19th place Addicks, who are just five points clear of the relegation zone.

Fulham's key striker Aleksandar Mitrovic is expected to be out of action for up to three weeks after having suffered ligament damage during his side's 1-0 win against Hull City last weekend, according to the club's official website.

Other players who are expected to miss out include Aboubakar Kamara, Harrison Reed and Max Le Marchand,

Overall, Fulham have enough strength in depth to win the game and secure a valuable three points.

They can however not afford to get the basics wrong during the game. Charlton have already previously frustrated Parker's side after drawing 2-2 with them in a league clash back in October.

It also remains to be seen if other attackers from the Fulham team can come to the party in lieu of the absence of Mitrovic.



https://ninetyminutesonline.com/fulham-team-news-four-men-out-of-charlton-clash-including-key-figure/

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MATCH PREVIEW | Charlton v Fulham

Charlton host Fulham on Wednesday night with the Addicks looking to use the home advantage as a catalyst to pick up some much-needed points.

The weekend's defeat to Preston North End leaves Charlton with just one win in 16 games while Fulham have lost just once in their last five games. The Addicks will be hoping that they can put form aside going into the fixture and get back to winning ways.

TEAM NEWS
The return of Jonny Williams, Erhun Oztumer and Tomer Hemed may also be boosted by Josh Cullen and Jake Forster-Caskey coming back into the fold. Cullen and Forster-Caskey were set to feature on the bench for Charlton at Deepdale but small knocks meant that Lee Bowyer was unwilling to risk playing them to aggravate further injury.

Bowyer is also hoping to have Lyle Taylor and Sam Field involved after the duo returned to training this week. Chuks Aneke is also nearing fitness having bagged himself a first-half hat-trick for the U23s on Saturday while Lewis Page is also nearing a return.

Still sidelined for the Addicks are Macauley Bonne are George Lapslie.

For the visitors, talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic is set to miss the fixture. The striker has scored 26 goals for the Cottagers this season and so will be a big miss for Scott Parker's squad. Fulham have further doubts in the form of Aboubakar Kamara, Maxime Le Marchand and Harrison Reed.

PRE-MATCH TALK
Charlton midfielder Darren Pratley: "It will be a tough game. They have had an extra day's rest because they faced Middlesbrough on Friday. They are a very good side. A very, very good side.

"We got a point down at their place and we're going to have to be at it, but I think our home crowd will help us to try and get something out of it."

Fulham boss Scott Parker: "They're going to give everything and we'll have a battle on our hands come Wednesday night. We're going to have to earn the right at times and try and stamp our authority on it."

HEAD-TO-HEAD
Charlton and Fulham have squared off 71 times with Charlton winning 22 times, drawing 24 times and losing on 25 occasions. Last time out saw the Addicks pick up a hard-earned point in a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage in October.

The last time Charlton beat Fulham at home in the league was back in December 2004. Goals from Jerome Thomas and Talal El Karkouri meant that Tomasz Radzinski's 82nd minute goal was too little, too late as the Addicks kept all three points at The Valley in the Premier League.

MATCH OFFICIALS
Stephen Martin will once again be reffing a Charlton fixture, Wednesday's game the third of the campaign with Martin having already overseen the Addicks' 3-0 win over Derby and the 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough.

The referee has dished out 48 yellow cards and two reds in his 21 games so far this season.

He will be joined by assistants Andrew Fox and Adam Crysell while David Rock will be the Fourth Official.



https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/view/5e27239ddf0ef/match-preview-charlton-v-fulham

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2 pros and 2 cons of Fulham reinforcing their squad with potential 27-y/o incoming

As we head into the latter stages of the current January transfer window, Football League clubs up and down the country will be seeking to reinforce their respective squads, with Fulham being no different.

Whites boss Scott Parker will be looking to strengthen his side's promotion hopes this month as they look to close the gap on Championship pace setters West Brom and Leeds United.

One particular area that could do with being supplemented is in defence, with the Cottagers lacking any real depth at centre halve, perhaps opening up the possibility of the club bringing in another defender this window.

As reported by Keith Downie of Sky Sports, one man that could well be in line for a move to Craven Cottage is Burnley centre back Ben Gibson, with the 27-year-old having found his game-time limited this term.

Fulham are said to have had a loan bid rejected for the player, however, the player could well leave if a replacement is found by the Turf Moor club.

Here, we take a look at TWO pros and TWO cons of Fulham clinching a deal for Ben Gibson in the coming weeks...

Pros

Championship experience
The former Middlesbrough man has great experience of playing at Championship level, with the 27-year-old having turned out for his boyhood club on over 200 occasions prior to making the move to Burnley back in 2018.

His experience of the second division is sure to be one of the key factors behind Parker's interest in securing the player's services.

Good on the ball
Gibson is more than comfortable with the ball at his feet, so in theory, he wouldn't find it too tough an ask to fit into Fulham's passing style of play if he did indeed make the move to west London this month.

He is also left-sided, meaning that he would be the ideal candidate to slot into central defence alongside another in the Fulham backline.

Cons

Lacking match fitness
Gibson has found game-time at Burnley pretty hard to come by this term, perhaps suggesting that his match fitness wouldn't be up to scratch straight away.

Parker is seeking players that can come in and make an impact for his side straight away and as a result this factor could well put a move for the 27-year-old on the back burner.

Wouldn't start
With Messrs Mawson and Tim Ream having performed well for the Whites this season and Michael Hector now looking impressive, it seems highly unlikely that the figure of Gibson could dislodge one of them if he makes the move to Craven Cottage.

Gibson is sure to want regular game time, so as a result Parker may have to shelve plans to sign the player in favour of another new recruit that could be more open to being rotated.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-pros-and-2-cons-of-fulham-reinforcing-their-squad-with-potential-27-y-o-incoming/

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Charlton's predicted XI to face Fulham

Charlton Athletic will be looking to bounce back from their 2-1 loss against Preston North End when they step onto the pitch on Wednesday.

However, doing so won't be the easiest of tasks, as they will face Fulham, who have gone into this round of fixtures in third place.

If the Addicks are unable to get the three points, it will mark five consecutive matches without a win, while a bit of extra distance from the relegation zone would likely be appreciated.

FFC has predicted the starting XI that Bowyer could utilise in order to make that happen, including three changes from the loss at Deepdale.

The defence's main core is kept intact, with Dillon Phillips, Tom Lockyer, Adedeji Oshilaja and Naby Sarr all starting against Fulham, as they did during the loss to Preston.

Alfie Doughty could start this match on the bench, with Ben Purrington coming into the team. Bringing in the 23-year-old could provide the side with extra defensive solidity. He averages 1.5 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.9 clearances per game, which outdoes the 20-year-old's 0.6 tackles and 0.5 clearances while equalling his interceptions. Adam Matthews, meanwhile, could play on the opposite flank.

Ben Dempsey seems to have forced his way into Bowyer's plans in recent times, after starting each of Charlton's last three league games, and could be set to continue that run against Fulham.

In this XI, Darren Pratley remains in the team, while Albie Morgan replaces Jonny Williams to join them in the midfield three, which would see the academy graduate return to the starting lineup having not featured in it for the last two games.

Andre Green stays in the side after scoring against Preston, a moment that could prove to be monumental for him – especially given the timing.

Tomer Hemed has come on as a substitute in each of Charlton's last three games, so Bowyer may be tempted to start the Israel international, with Josh Davison being used from the bench.



https://www.footballfancast.com/championship/charlton/addicks-predicted-xi-fulham-bowyer

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The XI Bowyer will likely field for Charlton v Fulham tonight

Tonight, Charlton Athletic host Fulham at The Valley as the Addicks look to move on up the Championship table and away from the danger of the relegation zone.

Charlton haven't had the smoothest of rides in terms of team selection over the last couple of months, with plenty of key players having to sit out on the sidelines due to injuries.

Manager Lee Bowyer will have to decide which players he deems good enough to get the job done against Fulham and compete against their London rivals in what will be a hotly-contested encounter.

Here, we take a look at the likely XI that Bowyer will field for Charlton vs Fuham tonight...

The Addicks will be expected to start the same team that lost away at Preston North End on Saturday.

Dillon Phillips will keep his spot in goal as the Addicks' main No.1.

Sticking with their 3-5-2 formation, youngster Alfie Doughty will be handed the chance to continue impressing at left wing-back.

In the heart of defence, Naby Sarr, Deji Oshilaja and Tom Lockyer will be the three centre-backs that are instructed to deal with Fulham's main threats, despite Chris Solly having returned to training following illness.

At right wing-back, Adam Matthews will keep his spot in the side.

Bowyer will stick with the same midfield three despite Josh Cullen nearing his full return from injury, with Jonny Williams, Darren Pratley and youngster Ben Dempsey providing the balance in the midfield of defence, creativity and a goal threat.

Charlton's two main strikers Lyle Taylor and Macauley Bonne are still sidelined through injury, therefore January signing Andre Green and young talent Josh Davison will be the chosen two to try and lead the line. Chuks Aneke could be an outside bet to start up front, however, it is unlikely that he is match fit after just returning to training.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/the-xi-bowyer-will-likely-field-for-charlton-v-fulham-tonight/

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Watch Live On FFCtv

Fulham supporters based both in the United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland and overseas can watch live coverage of Fulham's away trip to The Valley against Charlton Athletic on FFCtv this evening, kick-off 7:45pm (GMT).

Match Passes are available to purchase now, priced at £5 for overseas fans and £10 for fans in the UK & ROI.

With enhanced four-camera coverage and commentary from Gentleman Jim on FFCtv, the live broadcast begins from 7:15pm and is available to watch online at https://tv.fulhamfc.com/ or via the FFCtv App.

For fans wishing to watch or listen to this fixture, please be sure to follow the below steps:

Using a desktop computer:

• Log-in to your FFCtv account by visiting https://tv.fulhamfc.com/ and clicking LOGIN, located in the top right hand corner.

• If you have yet to purchase a Match Pass or subscription, choose your package and follow the steps to buy.

• Once purchased, to then view the game on desktop simply click on the FFCTV LIVE tab on https://tv.fulhamfc.com/ which will bring up the live video feed (from 7:15pm) for the Charlton Athletic fixture.

• To listen to audio commentary only, click on the adjacent AUDIO COMMENTARY tab.

Fans are reminded that if viewing the website tv.fulhamfc.com on a mobile or tablet browser (i.e. Safari on an iPhone or Chrome on an Android device) the live stream will not show. To watch on mobile or tablet, you must watch via the FFCtv App.

For mobile and tablet:

• Purchase a package by visiting https://tv.fulhamfc.com/ on a mobile or desktop browser.

• Open the official FFCtv App and log-in via the ACCOUNT tab located in the bottom right of the screen.

       o Fans yet to download the FFCtv App can do so via the Apple App & Google Play stores.

• Log in to your account.

• Once logged in, you should see LISTEN LIVE and WATCH LIVE buttons accessible via the TV, LIVE and MATCHES icons at the bottom of the screen.

Fans are reminded that the previous Fulham FC app will not show live video coverage or provide live audio commentary. To access live content please download the new FFCtv App.

For any specific questions relating to playback on your desktop or mobile/tablet device please contact [email protected].

Anyone who experiences difficulties subscribing to FFCtv should email [email protected]. Fans are advised to test their login prior to kick-off.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/january/22/ffctv-charlton-v-fulham-watch-live

[WhiteJC]

Fulham: Aleksandar Mitrovic hands Cottagers huge injury blow ahead of Charlton clash

Fulham have been handed a huge blow ahead of their Championship clash with fellow Londoners Charlton Athletic. The division's joint top-goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic has been ruled out of the game with an ankle problem. 

The Cottagers have the opportunity to close the gap on Leeds United in second place to just a solitary point but they'll have to do it without their talismanic forward. The Serbian international is not expected to return until early February (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk).

Worryingly, Fulham have lost each of their last six away London derbies with their last win coming away at Milwall back in April 2018 (as per BBC Sport) – a record Scott Parker will be well aware of and one he will be keen to put right.

TIF Tactics – Can Fulham cope without Mitrovic?

Aleksandar Mitrovic joined Fulham from Newcastle United for £22m after a successful loan spell at Craven Cottage and given the impact he's had, you would have to say it's been money well spent. The striker has scored 41 goals for the club in just 85 appearances and it's easy to forget that he's just 25-years-old.

With plenty of good years still ahead of him, the investment in the former Anderlecht forwards' services was certainly a worthwhile one. An experienced international who has scored 34 goals in 54 appearances for Serbia, in Mitrovic, Parker has a top-quality player on his hands.

After Mitrovic, the club's next highest goalscorer this season is Tom Cairney who's scored six times; that's a third of the strikers return and that alone highlights the player's importance to Fulham's promotion hopes.

It remains to be seen as to whether the Cottagers can cope without him for the next few weeks.



https://thisisfutbol.com/2020/01/twitter/fulham-aleksandar-mitrovic-hands-cottagers-huge-injury-blow-ahead-of-charlton-clash/

[WhiteJC]

2 weaknesses Charlton can exploit v Fulham tonight

Tonight, Charlton Athletic take on London rivals Fulham at The Valley, with both clubs looking to push on as they aim to reach their respective targets for the season.

Addicks manager Lee Bowyer will have been busy on the training ground as he attempts to halt his side's slide down the table, and he will be looking towards certain players such as January signing Andre Green to try and turn things around.

The former Charlton player will have devised a game plan that is good enough for the Addicks to try and get past Fulham, and here is two weaknesses that the Addicks can exploit against Scott Parker's Fulham tonight...

Pace in behind
Fulham's defence isn't known to be the quickest when caught in a footrace with opposition attackers, and the likes of Tim Ream and Michael Hector could be in for a long night if Andre Green and Josh Davison end up targeting them.

Charlton have the players in their midfield such as Jonny Williams who can pick a pass forward and send long, diagonal balls over the top for Addicks loanee Green to chase and give Fulham a tough time while he's at it.

If the hosts are able to weight their clearances and passes over the top, then the quicker players from an attacking sense in Charlton's team will be able to beat their London opponents to the ball and drive towards goal, with the visitors left in their wake.

The likes of Alfie Doughty and Adam Matthews may also be given the chance to stretch their legs from full-back, as they can get forward and test Dennis Odoi, Cyrus Christie and Joe Bryan, Christie not known for his pace especially.

The midfield battle
Fulham and Charlton's midfields will be well matched tonight, with both managers preferring to use a three-man midfield as they look to gain the upper hand on their opponents.

However, the Addicks' midfield may be better suited to the conditions and more in the mood for a midfield battle, with Jonny Williams, Darren Pratley and Ben Dempsey all able to win the second ball and start attacks.

Fulham's midfield three, which consisted of Kevin MacDonald, Tom Cairney and Josh Onomah against Middlesbrough, can be viewed as more attacking rather than defensive and gives Charlton an advantage to reach any second ball.

With the quick reactions of the Addicks midfield and the pace that Charlton possess when running in behind, a combination of the two could be dangerous for Fulham's midfield and defence when away from home.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-weaknesses-charlton-can-exploit-v-fulham-tonight/

[WhiteJC]

VALLEY REVIEW | Alfie Doughty stars on Wednesday night

Academy graduate Alfie Doughty is the main attraction in Wednesday evening's official matchday programme for the visit of Fulham.

The 20-year-old has impressed in recent weeks having been recalled from his non-League loan spell with Bromley and in his feature interview, he discusses his breakthrough in the Championship, playing alongside his fellow youngsters, taking on board advice from his manager and his pride at netting his first Charlton goal.

Elsewhere, Lee Bowyer pens his latest programme notes, while Darren Pratley reflects on the weekend's defeat at Preston North End, as well as his boundless energy that has kept him in the side of late.

Valley Classics takes a look back at three memorable SE7 clashes against Fulham from over the years, plus a special look at a cracking encounter against West Ham United on this day in 2003 that saw Bowyer and current Fulham boss Scott Parker go head-to-head in a firey encounter.

Meanwhile, Addicks legend John Robinson makes his second appearance in 'Talk Us Through It', this time explaining his stunner against Huddersfield Town back in 1999 and all the latest academy action is rounded up.

All that and much, much more can be found in Saturday's Valley Review which is priced £3 and can be purchased from in and around The Valley as well as in the Valley Superstore.



https://www.cafc.co.uk/news/view/5e285f83ee616/valley-review-alfie-doughty-stars-on-wednesday-night

[WhiteJC]

2 weaknesses Fulham can exploit v Charlton tonight

Fulham have the chance to narrow the gap on the automatic promotion places tonight when they make the short trip to face Charlton Athletic at The Valley.

They sit just four points behind Leeds United and West Brom and will go into their clash with the Addicks full of confidence following their recent win against Middlesbrough.

Woodgate's side were put to the sword despite Scott Parker not having the services of Aleksandar Mitrovic, and he will have to do without him again tonight.

Here we look at TWO Charlton weaknesses Fulham can exploit tonight...

The midfield
With Connor Gallagher having left The Valley last week, Charlton will still be adapting to life without the impressive Chelsea younger.

It therefore offers the Whites a real chance to test the unit Bowyer will field. Over the weekend, Jonny Williams returned for the trip to Preston but with the likes of youngster Ben Dempsey and Albie Morgan taking to the field, Parker should be confident that his side can exploit the area.

Lack of mobility
This particularly applies to the trio of centre-backs who, although no slouches, will most likely struggle to deal with the rotating front line of Fulham.

With Mitrovic unavailable, Bobby Decordova-Reid stepped in and alongside Anthony Knockaert and Ivan Cavaleiro they have all the tools to terrorise Tom Lockyer and co.

Charlton's backline have been impressive at times this season, and could well win the battle, but with the trio's mobility coupled with Tom Cairney's creativity, I think they could struggle.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-weaknesses-fulham-can-exploit-v-charlton-tonight/

[WhiteJC]

Scott Parker calls for Fulham to remain focused ahead of trip to Charlton Athletic

Speaking to the club's official website, Fulham manager Scott Parker has called for his side to remain focused on the task at hand as his side prepare to face Charlton Athletic, where a win would see them move only two points behind league leaders West Brom.

Fulham's chances of earning a place in the top two of the Championship table have increased massively in recent weeks. The faltering form of West Brom and Leeds United has opened the door for them to close the gap. The Cottagers head into tonight's game only five points away from the top of the table and four points away from 2nd placed Leeds.

A win against Charlton Athletic tonight would see Fulham move only one point behind Leeds and just two away from West Brom at the top of the table. And, with his side coming closer to the top two, Scott Parker has called for his players to focus on what they can control rather than the faltering form of Leeds and West Brom.

Speaking ahead of the game, Parker said his Fulham outfit need to concentrate on the task at hand as they travel to The Valley to face Charlton Athletic. He said:

"We're in a good position at this moment in time and we go there on Wednesday night with a positive result,. We're looking at the right end of the table, but ultimately we can only control what we control. If Leeds or West Brom are slipping up or are out of form then you need to react to that and you need to get results.

"First and foremost we need to concentrate on us, and let's see where it gets us. I realise the dynamics of this division, and as soon as you take your eye off it then this league has got a habit of biting you.

"We understand the difficulties [Wednesday] is going to bring. A London derby, a team at the other end of the table, but Lee Bowyer – who I know very well – will have them fighting. They're going to give everything and we'll have a battle on our hands come Wednesday night. We're going to have to earn the right at times and try and stamp our authority on it."



https://the72.co.uk/155370/scott-parker-calls-for-fulham-to-remain-focused-ahead-of-trip-to-charlton-athletic/